Palestinian American Travels to West Bank to Defend Home

Palestinian American Loui Ridi traveled from Ohio to the West Bank on August 17, 2026, to defend his family home in the village of Qusra. For more than a week, Israeli settlers had besieged several Palestinian houses in the area, trapping residents inside. Ridi joined his brother, Qusai Abu Rida, and his nephew, who had remained in the property to prevent settlers from seizing it.

In response to the standoff, the Israeli military declared the neighborhood a closed military zone and deployed troops. While the military aimed to maintain order, video footage indicated that soldiers interacted amicably with the settlers rather than arresting them. The United States government condemned the siege of the homes.

The incident occurs during a period of escalating violence in the West Bank. Palestinian health officials report that Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed 87 Palestinians this year, while Palestinians have killed three Israelis. Critics point to the right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu as a factor emboldening settlers to attack Palestinian towns.